Capitol Christmas Tree Arrives

The Capitol Christmas tree has just arrived at the West Front of the U.S. Capitol! This year's tree is a 65-foot Engelmann spruce that came all the way from Colorado. It was harvested on November 2, and since then has made its way across the country to its new home on the West Front Lawn of the U.S. Capitol.

Now that the tree is here the AOC's Capitol Grounds and Construction Division crews will set the tree in place on the Capitol Grounds and then quickly decorate it with lights and approximately 5,000 ornaments. This will all be done in time for the lighting ceremony at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, December 4.

Architect of the Capitol Stephen Ayers was on hand to accept the tree from the state of Colorado.

Update: AOC staff are using a crane to lift the tree into place on the West Front Lawn. The tree weighs 9000 pounds!